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Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly considering switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, raising hopes that the Super Eagles could secure the services of the highly rated attacking midfielder.
The 19-year-old, currently on a season-long loan at German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, is reportedly open to representing Nigeria despite previously featuring for England at several youth levels.
Reports indicate that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has held discussions with Nwaneri’s representatives in London as part of efforts to convince the youngster to commit his international future to Nigeria.
Neither Nwaneri nor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed an agreement or decision to switch allegiance.
The speculation gained further attention after the midfielder reportedly began following the Super Eagles’ official Instagram account. However, his social media activity does not confirm a decision to represent Nigeria.
Why Nigeria Wants Ethan Nwaneri
Born in England to a Nigerian father and an English-French mother, Nwaneri is eligible to represent Nigeria through his paternal heritage.
He has represented England at several youth levels, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 teams.
However, his youth international appearances do not automatically prevent him from switching to Nigeria under FIFA eligibility regulations.
Nwaneri has yet to make a competitive senior international appearance for England, leaving open the possibility of a switch, subject to FIFA’s applicable eligibility requirements.
His potential arrival would give the Super Eagles another attacking option, particularly because of his ability to operate as an attacking midfielder, right winger and advanced playmaker.
His technical ability, close control, movement and creativity have made him one of the highly rated young talents to emerge from Arsenal’s academy.
Chelle’s Previous Efforts To Convince Nwaneri
Nigeria’s interest in Nwaneri is not new.
In March 2025, reports indicated that Chelle planned to meet the youngster in London as part of efforts to persuade him to represent the Super Eagles.
The Nigerian coach reportedly viewed the midfielder as a potential addition to the team’s attacking options, particularly his ability to create opportunities in the final third.
Reports also indicated that Chelle monitored Nwaneri during his loan spell at French club Olympique Marseille in the second half of the 2025/2026 season.
England, meanwhile, have also shown interest in retaining the youngster, who has progressed through their youth international structure.
He was reportedly included in England’s senior team’s pre-tournament training camp in Florida ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, an invitation to a training camp does not constitute a competitive senior international appearance and does not, by itself, end his eligibility to represent Nigeria.
From Arsenal Academy To Borussia Dortmund
Nwaneri joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight and progressed through the club’s youth system before making his senior debut in September 2022.
At 15 years, five months and 28 days, he became the youngest player to feature in Premier League history when he came on as a substitute against Brentford.
His debut attracted widespread attention and raised expectations about his future at Arsenal.
He subsequently earned opportunities in Mikel Arteta’s first-team setup, featuring in domestic and European competitions.
In January 2026, Arsenal sent him on loan to Marseille for the second half of the 2025/2026 season to gain regular first-team experience.
He reportedly made 11 appearances and scored twice during his spell in France.
On September 1, 2026, Borussia Dortmund announced his signing on a season-long loan from Arsenal, keeping him in Germany for the 2026/2027 campaign.
The move offers the attacking midfielder another opportunity to develop in European football and gain experience at a club recognised for providing opportunities to young players.
What Nwaneri Could Bring To The Super Eagles
If Nwaneri eventually commits to Nigeria, he could provide Chelle with additional creativity and flexibility in attack.
His versatility would allow him to operate behind the striker, on the right wing or in an advanced central midfield position.
He would also compete for attacking positions alongside established Super Eagles players such as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
Beyond the immediate impact, securing his international commitment could strengthen Nigeria’s long-term squad options.
The Super Eagles have previously benefited from players who developed within England’s football system before choosing to represent Nigeria.
Ola Aina represented England at youth level before switching to Nigeria, while Alex Iwobi also chose to represent the country of his Nigerian heritage.
Nwaneri could become another addition to that group if he eventually decides to represent the Super Eagles.
For now, however, his international future remains undecided. Any switch would depend on the player’s decision and compliance with FIFA’s eligibility requirements.
His next steps will therefore remain closely watched by Nigerian football supporters.
